NINE out of 10 Renfrewshire patients are getting hospital treatment on time, new figures reveal.

According to latest figures published for December 2011, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which includes Paisleys Royal Alexandra Hospital started treatment on 90.2 per cent of patients within 18 weeks of their first referral.

The figure achieved the 90 per cent target set by the Scottish Government last year.

According to stats, 27,042 patients in the health board area, and whose waiting time from referral to treatment could be measured, got medical help within 18 weeks.

It is a massive improvement on the 77.1 per cent (25,310) recorded in January last year.

Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised the efforts of NHS staff as the target was met nationally and locally.

She said: We know what patients want quick access to treatment, delivered as locally as possible.

That is why I am pleased to confirm that we have delivered on our target of ensuring patients are treated in 18 weeks or less.

There has been a tremendous effort across the health service to get us to this point and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.

This radical target has required the NHS to completely change internal systems so links are in place for each patient to be seen in the right care setting at the right time.

Now, rather than having individual waits for consultations and tests, this target will focus on the patients whole journey from GP referral to treatment. This is the best way to ensure patients get the very best quality of care.